The Food-What and How I eat

I EAT REAL FOOD-just in smaller portions. I do not go for shakes, meal replacement bars or pre-packaged meals. For the same amount of calories I would rather eat something that taste better and actually fill me up.

I have learned how to eat in any given situation. If I am at a restaurant I have usually looked the menu up online and send back the bread basket. I will order veggies instead of pasta. If I am at a fast food restaurant (as I have two young kids) and if I haven’t eaten beforehand I know the items that are OK from having checked out the website in the past. I will order a large coffee as so not to pick at kids fries.

Social situations like bbq’s and parties are hard but I always carry my water with me or pop some sugar free gum if I need to keep my mouth busy. I will always start with a large salad and try to stick to healthy choices. I usually do allow myself a few indulgences depending upon my craving and mood.

How I eat would most likely be compared to a weight watchers plan. I eat a variety of foods sticking to healthy choices and have learned what works for me. I probably take in anywhere from 1200-1800 calories depending how I’m doing that day.

I tend to eat the same breakfast of light yogurt and fiber one as I feel the routine will keep me on track for the day. I always have fresh produce on hand do not keep temptations in the house. Even cashews and peanuts which are healthy I do not keep as I like them too much and would not follow portion control.

I love eggs and keep hard boiled ones on hand for snacks. One of the tricks is not to let yourself get too hungry as this is when you will overeat. .I generally eat three meals a day and snack on fruit, carrots, almonds, 100 cal items and a nighttime treat after the kids are in bed.

Typical Items I eat-

Breakfast- Varies from-

• Yoplait light yogurt with fiber one cereal and strawberries
• Instant oatmeal with fruit
• One waffle with peanut butter
• Eggs-sometimes just plain scrambled or make omlets with fat free cheese with spinach and mushrooms
• I will usually have a banana with any breakfast within an hour before or after eating

Lunch- Varies depending on if I am home or not but if I am a few of my typical lunches are-

• 2 turkey slices w fat free cheese and mustard on Arnolds 100 calorie bread.
• Tuna w light mayo
• Boca burger
• Turkey, salmon or garden burger
• Cedarlane burrito
• I will allow one slice of pizza if I find myself at pizzeria with kids.

Dinner-

• Depends if hubbs will be home or not as if he will be home for dinner we will usually have a lean protein, vegetable, salad and maybe a good carb on the side like splitting a sweet potato.
• For proteins we eat chicken breast with the 1 calorie spray and some Accent flavoring. The Perdue pre-packaged flavored chicken is low in calories and quick to make. Pork chops are great on the grill and I buy ground turkey for burgers and meatloaf. We don’t eat red meat as much but do indulge in a grilled steak on occasion.
• For veggies we usually have asparagus with olive oil or sautéed spinach or a steam fresh vegetable bag.

Snacks-

• A lot of fruit
• Baby carrots
• Almonds
• 100 cal packs in moderation
• I took up decaf coffee
• Keep snacks in your bag so you won’t be in a situation where you are too hungry without good choices.

Treats- I have a sweet tooth and need something to look forward to after the kids are in bed.

• The Smart Ones desserts with a dollop of light whip cream is very yummy.
• Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches.
• Healthy choice fudge bars
• Light Jello

Specific Brand items I use often-

• I use artificial sweetners although I know not everyone agrees with them but I need my Splenda in my coffee and enjoy Crystal Light over water with my meals.
• 1 calorie sprays used for salad dressings can be used on sandwiches and meat marinade.
• I Cant Believe It’s Not Butter spray. Great on popcorn and veggies.
• Arnolds 100 calorie bread.
• Yopliat Light Yogurt.
• Fiber One Cereal.
• Kirkland Turkey burgers.
• Trident Salmon burgers.
• Kirkland turkey slices.
• Smart Ones desserts.
• Healthy choice pops.
• Fat Free Cheese.
• Cedarlane 260 cal burrito-1 gram of fat and 7 grams of fiber
• Perdue Perfect Portions
• 100 calorie popcorn
• Progresso Soups light or regular
• Baskin Robbins hard candies or any sugar free gum

All these items can be found at Costco or the supermarket. Keep the healthy items accessible and keep the temptations OUT of the house-kids or no kids.